I consider myself to be new still to teaching. While this is my third year, I constantly find myself learning. I had the opportunity to explain that to a new teacher recently who felt there is so much to the job. Truthfully so, it is. Teaching is more than just (and not) open your textbooks, read pages 55-62 and answer questions 1-5. Teaching is modeling, critical thinking (on both the students and teachers), and learning to play various roles including mentor, nurse, counselor, etc.

Someone recently told me that they felt that as an experienced teacher I should be able to tell them everything they needed to learn. Granted I did go to school in undergrad for teaching (traditional path) and have a knowledge base some do not; however, my response was simple, "I can't tell you necessarily everything you need as a new teacher." For each teacher those needs will vary based on your knowledge as well as personality.

I think the person became a little upset in the beginning when I said that, but it is true. Teaching is a profession in which you will be constantly learning, rather you embrace it or not. There are certain experiences as a teacher that you will have to go through. Sometimes those experience will be challenging; however, they help you become better. They help you learn more. They help you do more. It is understandable that as a teacher, you want to do a great job. However, it is important to note that you are not going to have it all your first year. It is a year of ups and downs. It is a year where it is such a learning curve. It is a year where you will have support; however, you have to construct your own meaningful of your experience (which is probably the hardest thing for most people considering many are use to having things told to them).

In the end, welcome to teaching. This is a world where you are working until past 7 o'clock most nights trying to prepare for the next day. This is a world where you are not valued by the media, society, and sadly even your own family members for what you do. This is a world in which sometimes there is so much paperwork to complete. However, this is a world in which you are helping students grow in their learning. You are helping students become better people! And everyday you will learn, live, and grow! And it all won't happen within the first two weeks of your first year!